Providing basics a struggle

The families who have turned to The Salvation Army for help this Christmas are stuggling to provide the basics for their children.

By Jackie Bridges

Published: Wednesday, November 28, 2012 at 07:52 AM.

The families who have turned to The Salvation Army for help this Christmas are stuggling to provide the basics for their children.

One is a woman on disability with two children, 8 and 10 years old.

Not only does she not have enough money to buy Christmas presents, but she and the children have been abandoned by her husband.

Her family helps with the rent and other bills, but she doesn't want her children -- who have already experienced one loss -- to have nothing on Christmas morning.

And while the presents are no substitute for a father, they offer hope. Your donations to The Empty Stocking Fund will reassure this family that someone does care.

Your gifts say to this mother, you are not forgotten.

The Empty Stocking goal is $35,000 and the money will provide food and toys for 175 families with 450 children and 125 senior citizens. The goal will also help families who seek assistance from The Salvation Army all year long, said Maj. David Craddock.

The families who have turned to The Salvation Army for help this Christmas are stuggling to provide the basics for their children.

One is a woman on disability with two children, 8 and 10 years old.

Not only does she not have enough money to buy Christmas presents, but she and the children have been abandoned by her husband.

Her family helps with the rent and other bills, but she doesn't want her children -- who have already experienced one loss -- to have nothing on Christmas morning.

And while the presents are no substitute for a father, they offer hope. Your donations to The Empty Stocking Fund will reassure this family that someone does care.

Your gifts say to this mother, you are not forgotten.

The Empty Stocking goal is $35,000 and the money will provide food and toys for 175 families with 450 children and 125 senior citizens. The goal will also help families who seek assistance from The Salvation Army all year long, said Maj. David Craddock.

"We do what we have to do in regards to Christmas," he said. "What's leftover will be put in a reserve account so in the summer months -- when we need it -- we will have it."